Design Development for Prefabricated Building Components using Nano/microfibrillated cellulose (NMFC) produced from Industrial Hemp and Old Corrugated Cardboard (OCC)

The intern will work with a multi-disciplinary research team from architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, biology, business development and materials research in the design development phase of a project to create a structural insulated panel prototype from cellulose. As the most abundant organic polymer on the planet, cellulose is currently emerging as a sustainable material alternative to plastics and other non-recyclable materials. Using sustainable feedstocks (industrial hemp and old corrugated cardboard) and water, this research project uses a matrix of nano/micro fibrillated cellulose to create components for a prefabricated building system: flat stock and aerogels combined as a structural insulated panel (SIP). SIPS are currently used in the construction industry using combinations of spray foams, toxic adhesives and non-recyclable materials. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Sheryl Boyle

Student:

Jesse Bird

Partner:

Prosperium

Discipline:

Architecture and design

Sector:

Advanced manufacturing

University:

Program: